Januvia is a drug taken by Type 2 diabetics to control the amount of sugar in their blood stream. The drug signals to the pancreas to create more insulin, and the liver to lower the amount of glucose that it produces. Many patients taking Januvia have reported instances of acute pancreatitis, which is the inflammation of the pancreas that produces chronic pain and discomfort for the patient. Some cases of acute pancreatitis are fatal.
Between the time the drug was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (2006) and 2009, there were approximately 88 reported cases of acute pancreatitis by patients taking Januvia, a situation that could easily lead to litigation if more cases are reported. About 58 of those patients required hospitalization and four were treated in the intensive care unit. There were two cases of hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, which can be fatal. Although the FDA has warned physicians and patients of the dangers related to Januvia, the drug is still available on the market and has not been recalled.
Merck & Co., the manufacturer of Januvia, has claimed that the cases of acute pancreatitis are not related to Januvia.
If Januvia has harmed you or a family member, you may be able to obtain compensation for your injuries from the manufacturer of the drug by filing a Januvia lawsuit. Compensation may include medical bills, lost wages and even pain and suffering. However, going against a major pharmaceutical company is incredibly tough, so getting an experienced Januvia lawyer on your side is key.
Check out the following articles for more information about Januvia, filing a Januvia lawsuit and finding a Januvia attorney.